Scope and Content

'The National Institute of Houseworkers was set up in 1946 with the primary aim of raising the status of domestic employment. thus attracting more workers into this essential occupation, and establishing, by means of training and by examination of those already possessing the necessary qualifications, a recognised standard of skill for employment under agreed working conditions.' Introduction to The Houseworker - The Journal of The Institute of Houseworkers, March 1951. Address of headquarters 53, Mount Street, London. Collection includes: copies of the journal 'The Houseworker' 1948-1956; Annual Reports 1949-1965 and Conference Reports 1954-1955. Copy of 'A Training Scheme for Houseworkers' not dated.

Administrative / Biographical History

During the Second World War, a governmental committee, chaired by Violet Markham was set up to examine the implications of the severe shortage of domestic help, particularly where professional women were carrying a 'double burden.' Shortly after the war, Markham established the National Institute of House Workers to promote domestic service as a skilled craft. (Lewis 1984)

Conditions Governing Access

Open to bona fide researchers by appointment, at the discretion of the TUC Librarian.

Acquisition Information

Deposited with the TUC at an unknown date.

Other Finding Aids

A card index is available in the Library

Archivist's Note

Description by Catherine Burke, Genesis Project Officer c.2002. Submitted to the Archives Hub in 2008 as part of the Genesis 2008 Project.

Conditions Governing Use

Photocopying is permitted within the terms of copyright legislation, although copying of some items including fragile material is at the discretion of the librarian.

Related Material

The National Archives holds Ministry of Labour Records LAB 70 contains the papers of the National Institute of Houseworkers 1945 to 1977.